On 3 October 2014 for 9 nights, a team of like-minded people is setting out for the summit of Kilimanjaro - and you can join us.
At 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest walkable mountain in the world and therefore requires no technical experience or equipment. Reaching the roof of Africa is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge. The midnight ascent to the summit is the toughest test both physically and mentally but the effect of being at altitude will also play its part throughout. A good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is advised to help you achieve your goal and enjoy the experience of doing so.
The 10 day adventure begins on 3 October 2014 when the team will depart from London Heathrow Airport on an overnight and connecting flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to an idyllic lodge in Arusha for a day of rest and relaxation, prior to an evening briefing for the trek ahead.
The following morning the team will set out on the start of the journey to 5,895m via the 6-day Rongai Route. Beginning in the north of Kilimanjaro National Park in a small village called Nale Moru, the trail heads west towards Uhuru Peak. The 6 days that follow require between 4-7 hours daily trekking, until you arrive at Kibo Huts Camp situated at 4,700m - the route's base camp. The gruelling midnight ascent to the summit follows, rewarded by sunrise over Africa as you reach the crater rim - offering views and a sense of achievement that are unparalleled and which will last with you forever. A short stay at the summit is followed by a descent to the trek's final Horombo Camp situated at 3,720m - the loss in altitude as you descend more than making up for the sense of exhaustion along the way. The final morning will be your opportunity to thank and say farewell to your support team, prior to making the final descent to the end of the trek at Marangu Park Gate.
The Kilimanjaro Challenge is a trek and not a climb - no technical equipment or clothing is therefore required. However, it is important that you have the right kit with you and a suggested kit-list is available here. The download also offers you additional information about suggested training - most notably walking; high altitude illness; vaccines and medication; travel insurance; and visa requirements. Any further questions can be asked at any time by clicking on enquire and submitting your query.
The full challenge itinerary is available here.
The total cost of the trip is £2,295. This includes international flights from and to London Heathrow, transfers and travel, accommodation, meals, Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, and fully supported expedition costs. It does not include transport to and from London Heathrow, personal clothing and equipment, visa processing fees, travel insurance, vaccines and medication, or personal expenses – including drinks.
To confirm your place on the Challenge Team, please select ‘Book Your Place’ above and complete the booking form. Upon submitting the completed form, you will be given instructions for paying the non-refundable trip deposit of £500 by bank transfer or cheque. The remaining trip cost balance is due no later than two months in advance of departure - but can be made in installments if you'd prefer.
For those interested in extending their stay and experiencing more of Tanzania at the conclusion of the expedition, a guided three-day safari or extension to Zanzibar can be organised on your behalf. This is entirely optional and a decision about this can be made at a later date.
In addition to the self-funded trip costs, each member of the team is asked to raise funds for Starfish Malawi and a maximum of four other charities of the individual’s choice, such charities will need to be registered with Virgin Money Giving.
25% of the money raised will go to Starfish as the organising charity with the remaining 75% going to the other nominated charities in whatever percentages the participant chooses. Individual fundraising pages can be set up with a link to a communal team page where all the trip details can be found.
However, this opportunity is inspired by Starfish Malawi and we encourage team members to raise both profile and funds for the charity in return for your membership of this adventure. Starfish Malawi is a Christian organisation seeking to make a difference in both UK and Malawi schools through a cross-curriculum linking programme promoting improved global and cross-cultural understanding, education, vocational training and AIDS awareness. To find out more about Starfish Malawi and how to fundraise, please click here.
To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.
Find out more about the challengers or make a donation by clicking on a picture below:
Starfish Malawi began life as a small Christian charitable body following a visit to Malawi by its founder, Chris Knott, in 2003. A letter was sent out of the blue to Chris asking if he would build a church in Malawi.
As a result of this initial trip, the goal became to "build the church within the school" as the Christians were meeting in a dilapidated school.
During 2004/6 a school, Kaputu School, was rebuilt for 1,600 children in Salima, which has become the District’s best school for academic excellence (having previously been one of the worst).
What started as an invitation to build a church became a much bigger project. Following this, the scope and direction of the work has broadened to also include other education projects, the schools linking programme, projects on health education and sanitation, HIV and AIDS awareness, orphan care and vocational training. "Building a Church in a School" has now become "building the Kingdom of God in the lives of children".
Starfish Malawi is well known in South East England in schools and churches by linking and reaching out to numerous children in 50 schools and Christians in ministry.
The vision of Starfish Malawi is the transformation of lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the establishment of caring communities where resources are used for the benefit of all.
Expressing our vision to follow the example of Jesus Christ in his compassion for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized by alleviating poverty through education, vocational training and sustainable resources.
Our main objectives are:
Providing access to quality education for children in Malawi so that they can lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.
Promoting a positive communication and interaction between people of different cultures and backgrounds thereby raising awareness of similarities, differences and sharing aspirations as global citizens with a godly outlook.
Providing support to communities to increase awareness of the HIV and AIDS pandemic thereby developing resilience for living sustainable lives.
Empowering the vulnerable and the poor to harness their potential to switch from relying on hand outs to self sufficiency in the face of God’s provision.
To engage everyone in the challenges to rich and poor alike.
To give all people the opportunity to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
To understand Jesus' words that it is more blessed to give than receive.
We are committed to:
Involving the community – Local ownership and participation are key to sustainable and accountable outcomes. We seek to work with and develop available resources and gifting in the community which promote fruitful and sustainable life. Community includes women and children who are often excluded from dialogue.
Restoring true identity – We believe in the restoration of man’s true vocation as faithful and productive stewards of gifts from God for the well-being of all. “Poverty is the world telling the poor they are God-forsaken.” We stand for the right of men and women to work for the dignity and joy of supporting their families and helping others.
Being a Christian witness – Loving God and loving your neighbour are like each other. We seek to recognise God’s footprints in restoring relationships and transforming lives. Salvation is from the Lord.
Caring for the poor and orphans – we recognise we are all made in God’s image, all equal and valued by God. The way we treat the weakest in our world is a true estimate of worth. We are committed to serving them by empowering them to meet their basic needs, overcome injustice and fulfil their God given potential.
Got a question? We hope you will find the answer in the information below. However, if you have any further queries, please complete the online enquiry form and we will answer your question as soon as possible.
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